Traveling wave air massaging method



Dec. 29, 1964 .1. COURTIN TRAVELING WAVE AIR MASSAGING METHOD 8Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 2. 1962 INVENTOR Jacques Courfin WWW, w metATTORNEYS Dec. 29, 1964 .1. couRTlN 3,163,161

TRAVELING WAVE AIR MASSAGING METHOD Filed Aug. 2. 1962 8 Sheets-Sheet 2Pressure FIG 4 Pressure FIG, 5.

II/[111ml I'll, I III III" Illa I Q I IN V EN I OR '0 as 86 J a uesCourfm IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII//I/// cq ATTORNEYS Dec. 29, 1964 .1. COURTIN3,163,161

TRAVELING WAVE AIR MASSAGING METHOD Filed Aug. 2, 1962 8 Sheets-Sheet 3INVENTOR Jacques Courfin Maw, K MM ATTORNEYS Dec. 29, 1964 cou -n3,163,161

TRAVELING WAVE AIR MASSAGING METHOD Filed Aug. 2. 1962 8 Sheets-Sheet 4FIG. I2. 25

INVENT OR Jacques Courfin ATTORNEYS Dec. 29, 1964 Filed Aug. 2, 1962 J.COURTIN 3,163,161

TRAVELING WAVE AIR MASSAGING METHOD 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 FIG. 14.

INVENT OR Jacques Courfin WM 7/24! M f u ATTORNEYS INVENT OR ATTORNEYSJacques Gourn'n J. COURTIN TRAVELING WAVE AIR MASSAGING METHOD n 6 \I 39 W 3/1 0 5 1 a a a m 3 Dec. 29, 1964 Filed Aug. 2, 1952 Dec. 29, 1964'.1. COURTIN 3,163,161

TRAVELING WAVE AIR MASSAGING METHOD Filed Aug. 2, 1962 8 Sheets-Sheet 8I72 |77- we INVENTOR Jacques Courfin BY%M7 g/a'ge ATTORNEYS UnitedStates Patent 0 3,163,161 TRAVELENG WAVE AIR MASSAGENG METHGD JacquesCour-tin, 7 Rue Guenogaud, Paris, France Filed Aug. 2, 1962, Ser. No.214,236 25 Cim'ms. (6i. 128-38) The present invention concerns a methodof massaging the body by using large volumes of air at low pressure toproduce deep traveling waves or ridges in the skin and flesh of the bodyunder treatment and equipment for practising the method.

This application is a continuation-in-part of US. application Serial No.716,234 filed February 1958 for Pulsating Air Massaging Method andEquipment, which is in turn a continuation-in-part of US. applicationSerial No. 627,886 and now Patent No. 2,962,022 filed December 12, 1956for Compressed Air Massaging Equipment. Reference is made to mycopending application Serial No. 737,281 and now Patent No. 3,058,461filed May 23, 1958 for Massaging Installation and Control ApparatusTherefor.

It is an object of the invention to teach the method of and to provideapparatus for, treating a human body with air in high volume at lowpressure and directed at a small angle to the surface of a body undertreatment, with the volume, pressure and direction of air flow from anapplication unit all having related values such that they produce deeptraveling waves or ridges in the skin and flesh of a body undertreatment, the deep traveling ridges being produced whether theapplication unit remains in a stationary position or is moved slowlyover the body being treated.

The method described in patent application Serial No. 627,886 and nowPatent No; 2,962,022 has been developed and is extended to includetreatment of adipose tissues through a kneading of these tissues byproducing deep traveling waves and ripples therein and also by eifectinga sidewise rolling motion of the tissues under the effect of a jet ofair which, when interrupted or deflected, allows the tissue to springback from its fully extended position.

It is an object of the invention to provide means for supplying a largevolume of air flow over a surface being treated, so that the dynamiceffect of the moving air, as distinct from its pressure elfect, isinstrumental in obtaining the best results, particularly when the bodyunder treatment is supported in a substantially horizontal position inwhich the muscles are most relaxed.

It is an object of the invention to provide means supplying a largevolume of canalized air flow impinging upon the treated surface.

Another object of the invention is to cause the passage of a largevolume of air flow through a tunnel-like canalizer applied on the bodysurface to be treated, the Wall of said tunnel comprising a rigid wallportion, and an other portion of said tunnel wall thus consisting in theportion of the body surface to be treated, and to cause said tissues tomove lengthwise back and forth in deep traveling waves under theeffectof'said flow of canalized air.

A related object of the invention is to cause the passage, onto the bodysurface to be treated of a large volume of air flow canalized on saidbody surface, delivered at a low pressure, so as to provide aconcentration of air under the canalizer and a depression of thetissues, thus increasing the efficiency of the air how and limiting thevolume of the air flow to an economical value.

It is an object of the invention to provide means for vibrating the airfiow at its point of application'on the tissues, so as to effect ashaking in depth of thedeposits within the cells of the tissues andthereby loosen these deposits.

Another object of the invention is to provide a pulsat- 3,l 63d hiPatented Dec. 29, 196

ing air flow, the impact of each pulsation being a form of treatmentadapted to circumstances and used independently of or combined with thevibrating of the air flow.

It is an object of the invention to provide a plurality of nozzlesdischarging jets of compressed air directed towards a tissue locationwhich catch the tissues in a two-directional pressure similar to atwo-handed combined action.

Another object of the invention is to provide air nozzles, conjointlyoperated in pairs and including means for virating or pulsating the airflowing therethrough.

Another object of the invention is to provide means unitary with thenozzle to vibrate or pulsate the air flowing therethrough.

Another object of the invention is to cause the air flowing through thenozzle to actuate means which are unitary with said nozzle and vibrateor pulsate the air issuing frorrrthe latter.

It is an object of the invention to eliminate the fatigue inherent inmassaging by hand which does not permit GifiClBlli work after the firstthree or four sessions of the working day of a masseur and the resultingrapid decrease. in the quality of the massages performed.

Initial work with jets of highly compressed air resulted in localizeddepression of the flesh at the point of impact of the air blast.Displacement of the air nozzle displaced location of the fleshdepression, but with little practical effect or results. That is, littleif any of the beneficial results of a goodmassage were achieved and carehad to be exercised to avoid pains and bruises caused by the higherpressure. When the nozzle is moved far enough away from the body toavoid such pains and bruises effective control of the location of theimpact area causing the flesh depression is lost and satisfactoryresults are not obtained.

In the practise of the invention described in the aforesaid U.Sapplication SN. 627,886 and now Patent No. 2,962,022, it was foundadvantageous to avoid higher air pressures because the point of impactupon the body was too narrow, the effects can be harmful and resultswere unsatisfactory.

Higher air pressures work on the body tissues like a hard thumb andtheir eifects are similar. Contrary to this, the effect of the method ofthe present invention can be compared with that obtained over a greaterarea by a large hand, but is softer than a hand and thus avoids contactbruises or damage to bodies irrigated by vessels hav ing poorcirculation. i

It has therefore been practical to reduce very substarn tially in anovel way the pressure of the air stream, while considerably increasingthe rate of air flow over the portion of body to be treated, so that thedynamic action and the weight of the volumes of air flowing per secondover said portion are among the principal factors intervening in saidtreatment.

Although the equipment needed is admittedly more costly and elaboratethan that required with higher air pressure and less how, the effects ofwhat is called for the purpose of the invention volume massaging aredeeper and more durable than that of higher pressures, yet there isabsolutely no danger of bruising the skin or the blood vessels, becausethe action of a large-volume air ilow results in simultaneous action ona surface of impact approximating that of a hand as opposed to thesurface of a thumb.

in practise, the massaging equipment must be able to cope with ail'sortsof body conditions, including borderline cases in which the bloodvessels are weak. The invention, by its volume action, covers the wholerange, including extreme cases for which no other massage device wouldbe satisfactory or even safe tooperate.

A furtherimprovement of the volume method of air massage consists inincreasing the effect of the air flow by superimposing a vibration ofabout 8 to 20 cycles per second. This vibration at close range underpressure shakes the inner elements of the cells at a natural frequency.The effect of the vibration increases the efficiency of the treatment incases which require more active deep kneadin The 8 cycles per second to20 cycles per second range is a true pulsating air treatment, in whichthe deep ridges created in the body surface by the air flow have time torecover slightly from the air pressure, and while the tissues arereturning to their initial position because of their natural elasticity,the following air pulse strikes said surface with added effect. In thisfashion, it has been found possible to increase the kneading effectwithin the tissues and the draining of the cells.

The pulsations and vibrations of the air jets are provided by meanswhich are adjustable in frequency.

By combining two nozzles operating in the same direction at a convergentangle, or by using two nozzles operating in opposition, or at rightangles, it has been possible to create interference ridges designed toincrease still further the efiiciency of the treatment without anydamage to the blood vessels, tissues or skin.

In accordance with the treatment and the subject, the interference ofthe air jets as well as the timing of the air pulses of the two nozzles,provide a hitherto unknown range of possibilities.

The devices for vibrating and pulsating the air flow are driven eitherelectrically or mechanically, or Within the nozzle by hand means, or bythe action of the air flowing through the nozzle.

To carry out the invention, the blower nozzle is associated with apulsating device which can be incorporated.

Although the pulsating device may be derived from conventional systemsin the compressed air equipment art, owing to the special conditions ofthis application, an example is given of a motor-driven rotary closingmember or valve which insures during the closing periods as good afluid-tightness as possible (any loss of fluid-tightness is manifestedby both an increase in the flow of compressed air and a decrease in theefficiency of the massage resulting from the damping of the vibration orpulsation amplitude) consistent with a simple, strong and lightconstruction.

Maximum eficiency together with economical volume flow can be obtainedby incorporating the rotary closing member or valve in the blowernozzle, since the interconnection of these two devices by a flexiblepipe tends to damp the pulsations, the damping effect increasing withthe length of the flexible pipe. In this case, the motor is alsopreferably incorporated in the blower nozzle or connected thereto by aflexible shaft, which represents increased weight and inertia and aconsequent fatigue of the operator who must hold the nozzle, which has atendency to vibrate in his hand. It will be found helpful to support theblower nozzle by an articulated suspension incorporatinga counter-weightfixed to the ceiling or any other support, or alternatively, by anorientable support, for example, a scissors or toggle arrangement whichis pivoted to the wall of the treating cabinet.

However, provided that the flexible pipe has a length not exceeding sixfeet, it is possible to leave the blower nozzle completely free at theend of a flexible pipe which is connected to the outlet of the pulsatingdevice. In this case the latter is permanently fixed to the massagetable or any other fixed support.

The compressed air used in the massaging process according to theinvention may be obtained by any method, for example, by means of animpeller fan or a com pressor. It is well known that the compression ofa volume of'air causes an increase of the air temperature; in theconditions of the invention this temperature may rise over 200 F.Thistemperature decreases but a little at d the point of the airrelease, so that this air must be cooled. This can be accomplished bymeans of an intermediary air-reservoir provided between the compressorand the blowing nozzle.

Preferably, Le air is taken directly at the outlet of the compressor, noreservoir being provided.

Another feature of the invention consists in the manner the air flowissued from the compressor is utilized in the massaging process, the airbeing used immediately after compression. It is accordingly an object ofthe invention to provide a variable capacity heat exchanger connected tothe outlet or" the compressor control of the temperature of the massageair in accordance with the requirements of the particular treatmentappropriate to the body to be massaged. This treatment may require airflow of a temperature within a selected range of temperature with asteady air flow or one which is pulsated or vibrated at an optimumfrequency or within a selected range.

This process of air treatment at a controlled temperature by removal ofa variable part of the heat generated in the compression differs fromtreatment in which compressed air released from a storage tank ispreheated before it reaches the body.

Further features and advantages of the invention will be apparent fromthe ensuing description with reference to the accompanying drawing whichare presented as illustrative merely and to which the invention is in noway restricted. Like numerals refer to like parts throughout.

In the figures:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevation showing equipment for carrying out themassaging method of the invention;

FIGURE 2 is a fragmentary partial sectional view showing an example ofthe action of the equipment;

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary side elevation of another example of theaction of the equipment;

FIGURES 4 and 5 are schematic explanatory diagrams of air pressurevibrations used in the method of the invention to form the pulsationsand vibrations;

FIGURE 6 is a diagrammatic sectional view showing the formation of wavesin the tissues by the compressed air massaging method;

FIGURE 7 is a view similar to FIGURE 6 corresponding to a second exampleof the action of equipment of the invention;

FIGURE 8 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of a first example or"a double jet blower nozzle used in the massaging equipment;

FIGURES 9, l0 and ll are side, plan and longitudinal sectional viewsrespectively of an alternating jet nozzle used in the massagingequipment;

FIGURE 12 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a massage table providedwith a device embodying the invention including a combined blower nozzleand pulsating device;

FIGURE 13 is a vertical sectional view on an enlarged scale of thedevice of the invention;

FIGURE 14 is a perspective view, with a part cut away, of another tablein which the blower nozzle receives pulsating air from a pulsatingdevice permanently fixed to sa d table;

FIGURE 15 is a front view, with a part cut away, of the pulsating deviceshown in FIGURE 3;

FlGURE i6 is a plan view and a partial sectional view, taken along line55 of FiG-URE 4, of the pulsating de vice;

FIGURES l72O are diagrammatic views of the various positions of anadjustable closing member or valve provided in said device andpermitting modification of the cycle of the pulsations;

FIGURE 21 is a diagrammatic longitudinal sectional view of a blowernozzle which receives compressed air and discharges pulsating airaccording to the invention;

FIGURE 22 is a diagram showing air pressure-volume relationships and thehigh volume-low pressure area used. by the present invention;

FIGURE 23 is a diagram of el'ficiency of horsepower utilization withinthe high volume-low pressure area in which the invention is practised;

FIGURE 24 is a plan view of one form of compressorcooler unit accor ingto the invention;

FIGURE 25 is an elevation of one form of air flow control for use withthe assembly of FIGURE 1.

The massaging equipment shown in FIGURE 1 cornprises a support tableltll providing a resilient padded surface or platform 162 of length andwidth suitable to receive a supine or prone human body. Platform 16 2 issupported by legs 1% and is provided with hinged extensions for head andfeet further supported by members 194 and 195. This table Till supportsthe person to be massaged in a horizontal position, which insures astate of perfect relaxation of the muscles of this person.

The table 101 carries a cabinet or enclosure 1% supplied with air underpressure by a pipe (not shown in the drawing). Housed in this enclosureres are various devices, for example, a pressure gauge M97, an airpulsating device 1%, and a pulsation frequency variator-indicator 189.This list of devices is not intended to be limiting and could varyaccording to the types of apparatus used, whether intended for hospitaluse, special treatments or simple massage, a will be describedhereinafter. A blowernozzle 121 leading from enclosure The is suppliedwith controlled air through the medium of a flexible pipe 119.

In the presently-described example, the nozzle H1 is fed with pulsatingair and may be of a simple, single-slot type, such as that described insaid US. patent application Serial No. 627,886. According to anotherexample, this equipment comprises two nozzles 111 and 311 (FT URE 3)which are respectively fed by two pipes Tild and 1113 each of thenozzles constructed as shown at 112 (FIGURE 2, having two orifices forblowing pulsating air simultaneously or alternately in the manner of thenozzles shown in FTGURE 9-11 described hereinafter. The air pulsatingdevice could be constructed in the man ner of the device 165 fixed andhoused in the enclosure 166 or its supply pipe and constitute a combinedblower nozzle and pulsating device.

The massaging equipment preferably comprises various accessories, forexample, similar to those described in said patent application, such a achannel-line member or canalizer 115, a scraper or stop block 114, and ascreen 115 protecting the back of the neck and head of the person beingmassaged.

FIGURES 2-7 show several. examples of the pulsating air massaging methodof the invention and of the effects produced on the tissues during thetreatment according to the invention. Bringing a continuous jet of airdirectly toward the tissues maintains the latter constantaly depressedin a position of equilibrium. Contrary to this, the application of smallmasses or packets of air in a direction making a small angle with thesurface of the body being massaged, creates a dynamic state in thetissues in the form of deep travelin ridges on the tissue surface and indepth.

The nozzle 111 shown in FTGURE 6 discharges sinall successive masses orpackets of air diagrammatically shown by the lines [1 ,11 between whichthe spaces do not, of course, correspond to the actual separation inspace, this diagrammatic example having been shown merely more clearlyto describethe invention. lt will be understood that a small mass of airacting at AB (FTGURE 6) compresses the tissues elastically; then, whenthe action of the air ceases, the tissues tend to spring back to positonCD and thus form a wave which progresses somewhat in the manner of awave on the surface of a viscous liquid, especially as it could besubjected to a. lateral pressure on its side. These Waves are propagatedas shown at D D and become progressive- 1y darnped.

The waves formed in a direction perpendicular to the surface of thetissues could be of variable amplitude, for example, about 1 cm. andmore, or much. smaller, for example, about 5 mm. In any case, thismovement produces a deep massaging efi'ect and avoids a continuousaction which could result in traumatism. In healthy bodies amplitudes ofseveral centimeters have been produced to advantage.

True stationary waves can be produced by disposing in the path of thewave movement a suitable stop, which may be in the form of a scraper 114held in the hand, or

the form of a counterjet issuing from a second nozzle acting in theopposite direction to the first nozzle so as to form an interferencepattern. In the latter case, the equipment of, the invention wouldrequire two nozzles 111 and 1 1 (FIGURE 7) both of which supply jets ofpulsating air so as to create two wave movements in opposite directionswhich interfere or combine algebraically with one another and createdeep momentarily stationary waves such as S and S and provide a kneadingof the tissues.

The frequency of the pulsations and their duration are regulated by anysuitable devices some examples of which will be described hereinafter.

This frequency could be a low frequency, for example, about 2-8 cyclesper second, in which case pulsations of the type shown in FTGURE 4 areobtained, in which the pressure could drop substantially down to 0between two pulsations. it will be understood that it is advantageous tobe able to regulate the frequency to obtain optimum effect; thefrequency of jets should be related to the natural frequency offormation of the waves, which depends on the characteristics ofelasticity and density of the treated tissues. To obtain optimum effectfor minimum air consumption, there is preferably obtained in eachparticular patient a veritable effect of resonance by regulating thefrequency of the pulsations to a suitable value.

If the frequency is increased beyond 8 cycles per secand, the pressurenormally does not drop to 0 and vibrations are obtained in the formshown in FIGURE 5. The frequency of thesevibrations may be, for example,be

tween 8 and 20 cycles per second, and these vibrations may be providedeither continuously or in an interrupted manner in the form of packetsor small masses of air a a a The method of the invention may be carriedout by means of a'double blower nozzle 112 of FIGURES 2 and 8, whichsupplies two convergent jets of air, the distance between the air outletand the point of intersection of the jets being, for example, about15-20 cm. This nozzle 112 could be usedas an ordinary nozzle having aboosted action, the jets converging in this case on the surface of thebody being massaged and making a small angle with this surface, oralternatively the two jets 1' and 1' could be used simultaneously butfor different purposes, one acting to form the wave and the other forlaterally shifting the crest of the wave previously formed.

The two noses of the nozzle could blow air in an alternating manner.

FIGURES 8-11 show examples of nozzles which permit obtaining thesevarious effects.

The nozzle 112 shown in FIGURE 8 comprises two noses 116 and 1.116)orientated in such manner as to discharge jets and j for effecting thetreatment shown in FIGURE 2. Such a nozzle is connected by its inlet 117to a pipe leading to the enclosure ill-=5 supplying the pulsating air.

The nozzle 118 shown in FIGURES 9, 10 and 11 may be used to form adouble alternating jet issuing successively from the noses 119 and 119*.For this purpose nozzle 11% comprises a movable switching diaphragm wall120 which is pivotably mounted on a pivot pin for the purpose ofswitching the stream of air toward one or the other of the noses A901119. This wall 3.26 is controlled by an outer knob 122 which actsagainst the force exerted by a return springl23' which returns the wallnew one of a the switching positions. One of these two positions isshown in full line and the other in dot-dash line in FiG- URE 11. Theforward end of the wall slides along a curved face 124 of a deflector125. The wall 12% is held by the air pressure against its positioningabutments sas and 126 and, when it has been brought to one of thesepositions, it remains there and exerts no force on the control device orknob 122. if desired, knob 122 could be replaced by two knobs 122 122(FIGURE 11) which would control the position of the actuating rodwithout provision of a spring, the two extreme positions of this rodwhich connects the two knobs 122 and 12% correspond ing to stablepositions of the wall 12% For carrying out the massaging method of theinvention, one or two blower nozzles of one of the types describedhereinbefore is preferably combined with a pulsating device which, asmentioned hereinbefore, could be connected to each of the nozzles by aflexible pipe. Alternatively, a pulsating device could be incorporatedin each of these nozzles.

FIGURE 12 shows a massage table A comprising a platform 1 supported bylegs 2 and on which the person being massaged lies, his head beingraised, if desired, by

- a pivotable head support 3, the inclination of which is adjustable,for example, by means of a rack 4.

Mounted on a longitudinal bar 5 supported by two cross-members 6,bracing the legs 2, is a pedal 7 which is upwardly biased by a spring 8and adapted to act through the medium of a rod 9 on a lever iii,controlling a closing means or valve 31. Valve 11 regulates the low ofair between a compressed air supply pipe 12 and a pipe 13 which leads toa pressure gauge-reducing valve is, 15 carried by one of the legs of thetable and supplying compressed air at suitable pressure to a flexiblepipe 15. Plexible pipe 16 is connected to a combined device B whichprovides pulsating air flow adapted to be directed onto the body of theperson being massaged.

One example of the device B is shown in FIGURE 13. It comprises a case17 provided with a lateral handle or grip 18 enabling the masseur tohold it firmly in the hand. The case 17 is closed by a cover 19 held inposition by screws 20. Fixed at the center of the cover 19 is the malepart 21 of a ball and socket or swivel joint on which the female part 22is mounted. The female part 22 is fixed to the end of an articulatedtubular support consisting of two tubes 23 and 2d interconnected by aball and socket or swivel joint 25. The tube 24 is pivoted at 26 to anextension 27 of one of the legs of the table 17 and it carries, at itsend, an electric motor 23 which constitutes both a counterweight and adriving means for a flexible shaft 2% housed in the tubular sup port andfixed to the end of a shaft 3%. Shaft 3t) is fitted with a disc 32,having a fiat-faced portion 51 which constitutes the active memberadapted to provide the pulsating air.

The disc 32 has a hole or opening as which moves past an aperture 37formed in the base 3. of the case 17 upon each rotation of the disc 32.This allows the compressed air to pass from. upper chamber 33 formedinside the case 17 to a lower chamber 39 formed inside a cup connectedto the base 33 by screws 45. The passage or" compressed air through theaperture 37 has a duration which is a function of the rotational speedof the disc 32 and of the effective areas of the opening 35 and aperture37. The cup 40 is provided with a lateral connection 42 to which isconnected by means of a ilexible'tube or pipe 43, a

pulsating compressed air.

The non-pulsating compressed air enters the chamber 38 by way of theflexible pipe 116 connected to a connec- 'tion 45 which terminates in aball end 5'6 rotatably mounted in the cover 19.

' Thedevicc B is used in the following manner:

The masseur holds this device by the handle 13 and places himselfalongside the table A adjacent the pedal Depressing the latter opens thevalve it which admits compressed air into the pressure gauge-reducingvalve 14,

The air at the required pressure and temperature enters the chamber 38.The motor 28, which is started up in the meantime, rotates the disc 37which permits compressed air to pass from the chamber 38 into theblowing nozzle 44 at each rotation of the disc 32. A jet of pulsatingair issues from nozzle 4% and strikes the body being massaged in theform of a particularly beneficial sheet.

The device B, which is suspended and counterbalanced by the weight ofthe motor 28, can be handled without difficulty by the masseur and thenozzle 4 can be readily directed at the desired angle.

if desired, the pulsating rate of the compressed air can be regulated byvarying the rotational speed of the disc 32. To this end, there could beused an electric motor 28 of about pg HIE, with poles to permit severalspeeds. For example, in the case of a three-speed motor 2, 6 or 1D polescould be used at will, which give about 3609, 1000 and 630 r.p.m.,resepectiveiy.

The flow of pulsating air issuing from the nozzle 44 is, of course, afunction, on the one hand, of the pressure of the compressed airsupplied by the pressure gauge-reducing valve, this pressure essentiallyvarying with the massage to be effected, and, on the other hand, of theperiod during which the chambers 33 and 33 are put into communication byeach full rotation of the disc 32.

For a given efficiency, the device B afiords a substantial saving whichmay be as much as 20 to 30% over the quantity of compressed air normallyrequired, and experience has shown that this saving may be obtainedwithout diminishing the efliciency of the massage produced.

The support for the device B, set forth in the above describedembodiment of articulated tubes 23 and 24- {FIGURE 2), could be replacedby any other support device, such as a chain suspension 23 and acounterweight 28 (shown in dot-dash line in FIGURE 12) attached to theceiling of the massage room. Alternately, the device 3 could besupported by an extensible scissors or toggle links arrangement 25 orthe like which is connected by swivel connections or otherwise either toan upright, such as the upright 27 oi the massage table, or to one ofthe walls of the massage room.

As mentioned hereinbeiorc, the arrangement shown of the combined deviceB is advantageous from the theoretical point of view, as the pulsationdevice is in the immediate vicinity of the blower nozzle 44 and thepuisations produced in the compressed air are substantially undampedowing to the very small size or" the chamber 39. However, thisconstruction might constitute a slight hindrance to the masseur in hiswork. The pulsating device may, of course, be separated from the blowernozzle and fixed in position, on condition that it is connected to thenozzle by a flexible pipe of short length (for example, 1 m.1.5 m.). Along connection interferes with the eiiectiveness of the pulsatingdevice.

A suitable arrangement is shown in FIGURE 14 where the table A comprisesa platform i having a support rame 47 to which is attached by means ofclips 48, the pulsating device C and a rheostat D for regulating andsupplying current to its motor 28.

The device C is fed with compressed air by the flexible pipe 16* throughthe pressure gauge-reducing valve 14, 15, and the supply of compressedair being controlled by the pedal 7 through the valve 11. The pulsatingair is piped from the device C to the very light blower nozzle 4 by aflexible pipe as. The pulsating device C is fixed in position and as itsweight is no longer of importance, the device can be adapted toadvantage in such manner as to permit a selection between severalpulsating cycles.

The device shown in FIGURES l5 and 16 comprises a compressed air supplychamber 38 and a pulsating air chamber 39 formed between a central plate59, two other plates 51 and 52 and cylindrical walls 53 and 54. Thesecomponent parts are held together by rods 55 and nuts 56. The walls 53and 54 could be welded to the plates 51 and S2 and engaged in twoannular grooves in the central plate 50, sealing members 57 beingprovided in the bottom of the grooves.

The electric motor 28 is mounted on the plate 51 and it drives, throughthe medium of a speed reducer 58, the shaft 38*- which extends into thechamber 3% through a sealing member 59 and is journalled in a ballbearing 60.

Fixed on the shaft 30 is the disc 32 adapted to produce the pulsationsof the compressed air. This disc 32* bears against a central thrustbearing 34, is centered in a peripheral bearing 33 and comprises, as inthe first embodiment, a single arcuate opening 36 (FEGURE 15) which isconcentric with the longitudinal axis XX of the device and has anangular extent of 90 between the centers of its two radiused ends.

The chamber 38 is provided with a fixed connection 46 on which the pipe16 is mounted, and the chamber 39 is provided with a connection 42*connected to the blower nozzle 44 by a flexible pipe 49.

The intermediate plate is adapted to co-operate with the disc 32* andcomprises three circular apertures 37 37 and 37 whose diameters areequal to the radial width of the opening 36. The apertures 37 and 37 arediametrically opposed and the aperture 37 is angularly spaced 90 fromthese apertures.

The device is completed by a regulating closing member or valve in theform of a disc 61 disposed in the chamber 39 and applied against thelower side of plate 50 by a spring 62 interposed between the disc and acup 63. The cup 63 contains a sealing member 64 to insure that thechamber 39 is fluid tight where the shaft 65 extends therethrough. Thedisc 61 is keyed on the shaft 65 and can be shifted angularly by thelatter from the exterior through the medium of a rotatable control knob66 (FIGURES 14 and 16).

By means of knob 66, the disc 61 may be put into any one of fourpositions, which are spaced apart angularly and are determined by a pin67 carried by a locking blade 68 (FIGURE 15) fixed to the plate 59, thepin 67 engaging in any one of four recesses 69 formed in the disc 61.

The disc 61 comprises an arcuate opening 70 which has an angular extentof relative to the axis XX and is disposed about the latter at the samedistance from this axis as the apertures 37 37 and 37 and the opening 36of the disc 32; the disc 61 also comprises two circular apertures 71 and72 (FIGURE 17) situated the same distance from the axis XX. The aperture71 is angularly offset 90 from the adjacent end of the opening 70 andthe apertures 71. and 72 are disposed an angular distance apart which isless than 90,so that when the aperture 71 coincides with the aperture 37of the plate 6%, the aperture 72 is circumferentially ofifset relativeto the aperture 37 of this plate.

By means of the disc 61, it is possible to modify the period duringwhich compressed air is transferred from chamber 39 to chamber 38through the disc 61 and the plate 50, each position of the disc 61 beingmaintained by engagement of the pin 67 in one of the recesses 69.

The four possible positions are shown in FIGURES 17- 20 in which thedisc 32* is shown to rotate in the direction of the arrows.

in FIGURE 17 the opening 71 is disposed in such manner that the endthereof nearest the aperture 71 co.- incides with the aperture 37* ofthe p1ate 50, so that the aperure 71 of the disc 61 also coincides withthe aperture 37 of the plate, whereas the aperture 72 is out of align:

in dotted line in FIGURE 17 and stops after the disc has rotated through180 when the end of a of the opening 36 ceases to coincide with theapertures 37 and 71.

In the position shown in FIGURE 18 the disc 61 has been turned to suchposition that the opening 7h uncovers the aperture 37 the aperture 71 isno longer in alignment with the aperture 37 on the other hand, the

aperture 72 is in alignment with aperture 37. Under these conditions,the opening 36 of the disc 32 permits two successive pulses of air, eachof which has a duration corresponding to a quarter of a rotation of thedisc. The first pulse taxes place while the opening 3d moves in front ofthe aperture 37 and the second pulse when the opening 36 moves in frontof the coincident apertures 37 and '72.

FIGURE 19 shows the third position assumed by the disc 61' andcorresponds to a passage of compressed air once in every rotation of thedisc 352 and during a quarter of a rotation thereof. In this position,only the opening 71 of the disc 61 continues to uncover the aperture 37of the plate $0, the apertures 71 and 72 being offset relative to theapertures 37* and 37. Thus, there is passage of compressed air onlywhile the opening 36 moves in front of the aperture 37 (quarter of arotation).

- FIGURE 20 shows the position in which there is a passage of compressedair during three quarters of a rotation of the disc 32*. In thisposition, the disc 61 uncovers the apertures 37 and 37 and the aperture71 is in alignment with the aperture 37. The three plates are thereforeuncovered and the opening 36 of the disc 323 permits passage of air fromthe illustrated position up to the moment when its end a passes by thecoincident apertures 37 and 71 after three quarters of a rotation of thedisc 61.

The device, therefore, provides four pulsating rates and the rheostat 1)permits the frequency of the cycles to be regulated in the mannerdescribed with respect to the first embodiment.

FIGURE 21 shows a nozzle combined with a pulsating device adapted to befixed to the end of the pipe supplying non-pulsating compressed air andto emit pulsating air. This pulsating device comprises a hollow body 81provided with a connection 82 and an outlet nozzle 33, the interior ofthe body $1 being divided into a first chamber having two passages 84and 85 separated by a partition 86 which is in such position that thepassageway 85 has a smaller cross-sectional area than the pas sageway84, and a second chamber 87 disposed on the downstream side of thepartition 86 relative to the air flow. A wheel 88 provided with a numberof blades 89 (for example, four blades) is rotatably mounted in thedriven by the air acting on the blade 89 positioned across thepassageway 84. By shifting the valve blade 91) the turbine can be brakedto a'variable extent so that variament with the aperture- 37". In thisway, the supply of compressed air to the chamber 38 occurs during halt"a rotation of the disc 32*. Air starts to be supplied when the opening36- ofthe disc occupies the positionshowntion in its rotational speedmodifies the frequency of the pulsations of the air issuing from thenozzle.

FIGURES 24 and 25 present in schematic form one system for practisingthe invention shown and discussed in copending application Serial No.737,281 and now Patent No. 3,058,461, supra. A body or container is,mounted inside asuitable housing and comprises a porcelain oil-removingfilter and felt which retains the last traces of oil and water insuspension in the compressed air through pipe 153. A lower drain plugpermits discharge of the traces of the retained oil and Water. Filteredcompressed air issues from the upper part of the and 156.

Main branch pipe 155 contains adjustable valve 57 which can be operatedby means of a control knob 158 which is positioned on the front of theapparatus where it is readily accessible to the operator. A pressuregauge 160 is connected to pipe 155 downstream from valve 157 by pipe 59and positioned so as to be readily visible. Pipe 155 is connected to airpulsating device 168 the moving element of which is driven by a motor16%. Pulsating device 168 may correspond to that shown in FIGURE 13,FIGURE 16 or as described in copending application Serial No. 716,234,now abandoned, supra, or equivalent devices now under tests.

A flexible pipe or hose 161 is connected to the outlet of pulsatingdevice 168 and terminates in a nozzle C, corresponding to any of thosedescribed herein. Pulsating device 168 is provided with a bypass 162containing a valve 163 actuated by knob 164 accessible to the operator.

Branch pipe 156 is provided for supply of compressed air to accessorieswhich may be connected at outlet 165 and regulated by a valve 165controlled by handle 1'67 readily accessible to the operator.

The air supply system located in casing 176 also comprises a motor 171with speed coupling gear 172 for driving an air compressor of eitherimpeller or piston type, indicated at 173, through a noise silencingflexible coupling 174. The air intake is through a filter 175 andmuffler or silencer 176 from which it is to be drawn by compressor 173and forced into heat exchanger 177 which is located in a separatecompartment 178 partitioned from the compressor 173 by a wall thereof.

Air is conveyed from the heat exchanger 177 to the filter container 150by pipe 153. The heat exchanger 177 is enclosed in compartment 178,closed on one side by louvres or flaps 179 which may be opened to avariable extent to establish a variable degree of air circulation, thuspermitting evacuation of heat from the enclosure. However, when themassage unit is in continuous use, it is preferred to circulate thecompressor cooling air by means of variable speed electric fan 1%. Theelectric fan 180, may be controlled from the control panel or from anyconvenient point.

The means for cooling the massage air at the outlet of thecompressor 173are not limited to a circulation of air. A cooling system using water asa medium for heat exchange or a refrigerating system may be substitutedfor or combined with the air fan, if needed, in warm locations or fortonic treatments requiring a larger temperature drop.

The diagrams of FIGURES 22 and 23 represent the results of extendedexperimentation and massage operation with living subjects, utilizingpulsating air as described above. In diagram No. 1 the area to the leftof the line B-B represents applicants initial work in the field,following the lead of the prior art, and utilizing high pressure air atlimited volumes. This area failed to provide useful satisfactory resultsand could not be effectively used in practise. As noted above the bestthat could be obtained was depression of the skin in limited placeswithout any useful massage action. This area was abandoned.

When work was donein the high-volume low-pressure zones, below and tothe right of line AA of FIGURE 22, Diagram No. 1, new and useful resultswere obtained which provided useful massage action comparable to that ofthe professional masseur. The area providing optimum results was foundto lie between volumes of forty to eighty cubic feet of air per minuteat pressures between sixteen and twenty-five pounds per square inch. Thearea of Diagram No. 1 underline AA is the area of predominant volumes inwhich the flow volume in cubic feet per minute is a relatively moreimportant factor numerically than the pressure in pounds persquare inch.That is to within the area underline A-A. The actual values in E2 thearea under the line AA which are to be employed in any particulartreatment depend upon the subjects condition and the end in view. Insevere cases treatments are carried out under the direction of th subj CP Y- cian.

Diagram No. 2 shows the relation between the air volumes in cubic feetper minute, the horsepower required and the percentage of usefulapplications and favorable results among all the patients that requirehand massage and exercising treatments. These data are taken from mypractice.

The high pressure at low volumes of air delivery left of a line CC havegiven far too few results to be considered at all practical. In the areabetween lines CC and i3-D, high pressure with increased flow is veryuneconomical and is irregular in results.

Before one can obtain a resonant beat in a flesh area, pressure has tobe drastically reduced and air flow increased in a considerable manner.

in the neighborhood of line D-D, by experience and observation from thevarious cases, one can establish a curve starting from point L whichshows the progression in the usefulness of my massaging method, as theair of low pressure increases in volume and effectiveness.

The area between CC and DD is the area in which high air pressure andhigh air volumes are incompatible, thus establishing a. discontinuity inthe effects observed in previous attempts made at the left of line CCwith compressed air and those observed on the right of line DD with ahigh volume blower creating a low pressure blast of air.

The attached two diagrams make amply clear what my findings have been;and the link that exists between the successful treatments and thehigh-volume low-pressure air flow and power required to be applied tothe human body in order to achieve successful results, without any painor harm to said body.

As the ratio of volume to pressure of air flow is increased,particularl' for the low pressures, conditions approaching thoseobserved in nature are found to occur. For example, beneficial treatmentfor hair may be obtained as the volume is increased above sixty cubicfeet per minute while the pressure is held to sixteen pounds per squareinch or less.

While there have been described above what are presently believed to bethe preferred forms of the invention, variations thereof will be obviousto those skilled in the art and all such changes and variations whichfall within the spirit of the invention are intended to be covered bythe generic terms in the appended claims, which are variably worded tothat end.

I claim:

l. The method of massaging a human body with air, comprising the stepsof compressing air in high volumes at low pressures for effective airmassage by the production of deep traveling ridges in the skin and fleshof a human body being massaged, applying the air in high volumes at lowpressures at an acute angle to the surface of a human body beingmassaged, controlling the volume, pressure and angle of air flow uponthe body surface within value limits which produce deep traveling ridgesin the skin and flesh of the body being massaged and which leave theskin and flesh of said body free from bruises and contusions which mightotherwise occur during massage from the impact or" air flow.

2. The combination set forth in claim 1, the step of modulating thehigh-volume low-pressure air flow sulficiently to permit the naturalresilience of the skin and flesh constituting said deep traveling ridgesto begin to return to their normal position on the body being massaged.

3. The combination set forth in claim 2, in which the step of modulatingthe air flow is carried substantially to cut-oil to form pulsescomprising substantially discrete masses of air spaced from each otherin a pulse train.

4. The combination set forth in claim 3, in which the pulses resultingfrom modulation have a controlled frequency related to the naturalperiod of resonance of the skin and fiesh constituting the deep ridgesformed therein whereby to maximize the ridge forming effect of the airpulses.

5. The combination set forth in claim 4, the steps of opposing thepropagation of said deep traveling ridges to produce the equivalent ofstanding waves in the skin and flesh of a body being massaged withhigh-volume lowpressure air, causing the standing waves so produced in agiven area of the body being massaged to die down and repeatedlybuilding up the said standing waves in said given area.

6. The combination set forthin claim 2, the steps of moving the area ofimpact of the high-volume low-pressure air flow slowly over the surfaceof said body.

7. The combination set forth in claim 2, the steps of cooling thehigh-volume low-pressure air prior to application thereof to said body.

8. The combination set forth in claim 7, the step of filtering the airused to produce the said deep ridges to remove oil and other foreignparticles which may be present therein.

9. The combination set forth in claim 2, the steps of controlling thehigh-volume low-pressure air flow within the volume flow range of fortyto eighty cubic feet per minute and within the pressure range of sixteenand twenty-five pounds per square inch.

10. The combination set forth in claim 9, the step of selecting relatedvalues of volume and pressure within said ranges in accordance with thephysiological condition of the skin and flesh of the body to be treatedwith particular attention to varicose veins and traumatisms wherepresent.

11. The combination set forth in claim 2, the step of modulating the airflow to produce a train of pulses of air, having a pulse frequencyfalling within the frequency range of eight to twenty cycles per second.

12. The combination set forth in claim 1, the steps of modulating saidhigh-volume low-pressure air flow and applying the modulated air streamto a body being massaged so that the area of impact of the streamapproximates the area of a masseurs hand, leaving the body beingmassaged completely free from all bruises and contusions which mightotherwise occur due to impact of the air flow.

13. The method set forth in claim 1, the step of pro,- ducingeffectively deep standing waves respectively by applying a plurality ofhigh-volume low-pressure air streams at an angle to each other.

14. The method set forth in claim 13 in which each said air stream has alarge vector component directly opposed to the other stream at 180degrees.

15. A method of massaging a human body with air, comprising the steps ofcompressing air in high volumes at low pressures for effective airmassage by the productionof deep ridges in the skin and flesh of a humanbody being massaged, applying air in high volumes at low such that thevolume ofair flow in cubic feet per minute exceeds the air pressure inpounds per square inch at the area of application to the body. beingmassaged.

16. The method set forth in claim 15, the step of controlling the airflow to maintain the volume within;

the range of forty to sixty cubic feet per minute.

17. The method set forth in claim 15, the step of coni said pulsatingdevice comprising a' wall which is provided trolling the air flow to'maintain the air pressure within the range of fifteen to twenty-fivepounds per square inch.

18. The method set forth in claim 15, the step of controlling-theairflow to maintainthe volume within the range of forty to sixty cubicfeet per minute and the air ressure within the range of fifteen totwentyfive pounds per square inch.

19. The method set forth in claim 15, the step of controlling the airflow to maintain the volume above sixty cubic feet per minute and theair pressure no greater than sixteen pounds per square inch.

20. A method of massaging the body in a horizontal relaxed position,comprising extended said body on a substantially horizontal support,causing a flow of pulsating compressed air to be directed onto thetissues of said body at a small angle of incidence, causing said tissuesto move lengthwise back and forth in deep travelling ridges under theeffect of said flow of pulsating compressed air and blocking themovement of the tissues by means of an action exerted on the tissues inmovement in the opposite direction to the direction in which said flowof compressed air is directed.

21. A method of massaging the body in a horizontal relaxed position,comprising extending said body on a substantially horizontal support,causing a flow of pulsating compressed air to be directed onto thetissues of said body at a small angle of incidence, causing said tissuesto move lengthwise back and forth in deep travelling ridges under theeffect of said flow of pulsating compressed air, and blocking themovement of the tissues by means of a second flow of air caused to bedirected on the tissues in movement in the opposite direction to that inwhich the first-mentioned flow of air acts.

22. A method of massaging the body in a horizontal relaxed position,comprising extending said body on a substantially horizontal support,causing a flow of pulsatingcompressed air to be directed onto thetissues of said body at a small angle of incidence, causing said tissuesto move lengthwise back and forth in deep travelling ridges under theeffect of said flow of pulsating compressed air, and blocking themovement of the tissues by means of a second how of pulsating air causedto be directed onto the tissues in movement in the opposite direction tothat in which the first-mentioned flow of air acts.

23. Equipment for massaging with pulsating compressed air, comp-rising atable support having a table adapted to support the body to be massagedin a substantially horizontal relaxed position, means supplyingcompressed air at constant pressure; a pipe communicating at one endwith said supply means and at its other end with a pulsator-blower unit;said unit comprising a pulsating device having awall which is providedwith at least one aperture and separates two chambers, one of saidchambers communicating with said supply means and the other ofsaid'chambers communicating with the blower nozzle, a perforated discrotatably mounted on said wall for successively closing and opening saidaperture; said equipment further comprising an articulated armsarrangement, one arm of said arrangement supporting at one of its endssaid pulsator-blower unit and at its other end a driving motor alsoconstitutinga counterweight balancing the weight of said unit, and aflexible shaft connecting the motor to said perforated disc.

24. Equipment for massaging with pulsating compressed air','comprising atable support having'a table adapted to support the body to be massagedin a substantially horizontal relaxed position, means supplyingcompressed air at constant pressure, a blower nozzle, an arr circuitconnecting theblower nozzle to said supply means, and a pulsating deviceinserted in said circuit,

with a plurality of apertures and separates two chambers, one of'saidchambers communicating with said supply means andnthe other of saidchambers communicating with the blower nozzle, a perforated discrotatably mounted on said wall for successively closing and'open- 7'ingsaid apertures, means for driving said rotatable perforated (118C inrotation, and regulating means .for varying the frequency of thepulsations, said regulating means comprising a perforated regulatingdisc forming a register placed against said Wall, relative to which itis capable of occupying a plurality of positions, and permitting, incombination with said apertures in said Wall, defining a plurality ofsets of effective passageways through said Wall and said regulating discwhich cooperate with said rotatable perforated disc.

25. Equipment for massaging with pulsating compressed air at a rate from40 to 80 cu. feet per minute, comprisinga table support having a tableadapted to support the body to be massaged in a substantially horizontalrelaxed position, means supplying compressed air at constant lowpressure from 16 to about 25 lbs. per sq. in, a pipe communicating atone end with said supply means and at its other end with apulsator-blower unit, said pulsator-blower unit comprising a connectionadapted to be connected to said air supply means, a first chamber gcommunicating wiih said connection, two passageways whosecross-sectional areas are different putting said chamber incommunication with a second chamber, a turbine Whose blades are disposedtransversely of said passageways so as to be subjected to the airflowing through said passageways, means for closing at will a variablepart of the cross-section of that of said passage Ways Whosecross-sectional area is the smaller; and a blower nozzle supplied withair by said second chamber.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS2,717,604 Mastaller Sept. 13, 1955 3,058,461 (Iourtin Oct. 16, 1962FOREIGN PATENTS 538,854 Germany Nov. 19, 1931

15. A METHOD OF MASSAGING A HUMAN BODY WITH AIR, COMPRISING THE STEPS OFCOMPRESSING AIR IN HIGH VOLUMES AT LOW PRESSURES FOR EFFECTIVE AIRMASSAGE BY THE PRODUCTION OF DEEP RIDGES IN THE SKIN AND FLESH OF AHUMAN BODY BEING MASSAGED, APPLYING AIR IN HIGH VOLUMES AT LOW PRESSURESAT AN ACUTE ANGLE TO THE SURFACE OF A HUMAN BODY BEING MASSAGED,CONTROLLING THE VOLUME, PRESSURE AND ANGLE OF AIR FLOW UPON THE BODYSURFACE WITHIN VALUE LIMITS WHICH PRODUCE DEEP RIDGES IN THE SKIN ANDFLESH OF THE BODY BEING MASSAGED, THE RESPECTIVE VALUES BEING SUCH THATTHE VOLUME OF AIR FLOW IN CUBIC FEET PER MINUTE EXCEEDS THE AIR PRESSUREIN POUNDS PER SQUARE INCH AT THE AREA OF APPLICATION TO THE BODY BEINGMASSAGED.